is not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express disagreement or negation in a sentence. For example, "This cake is not very sweet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Populism is not new.

The Economist

Punctuality is not overvalued.

The Economist

It is not love.

The New Yorker

Technically, it is not.

The New York Times

This is not baseball".

The New York Times - Sports

It is not contracting".

The New York Times

That is not charming.

The New Yorker

Bonnaroo is not that.

The New York Times - Arts

Culture is not everything.

The Economist

That is not independent.

Independent

"Simple is not easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not", ensure the negation clearly applies to the intended subject and verb. Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase correctly within the sentence.

Common error

Avoid placing "is not" in a way that unintentionally changes the meaning of the sentence. For example, instead of saying "He is not going because he is sick", consider "He is going because he is not sick" or "He is not going, because he is sick."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not" serves as a negating copula, indicating that a certain quality or state does not apply to the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples demonstrate its use in denying attributes or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not" functions as a fundamental negating element in English, used to deny or contradict a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its contracted form "isn't" is suitable for informal use, "is not" maintains a neutral register applicable in both formal and informal settings. When writing, be mindful of potential misplacements that could alter the intended meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isn't

A contraction of "is not", suitable for informal contexts.

is definitely not

Adds emphasis to the negation, indicating a stronger denial.

is absolutely not

Similar to "is definitely not", this phrase intensifies the negation.

is simply not

Emphasizes the straightforwardness of the negation.

is not the case

A more formal way to express that something is untrue or incorrect.

that is not

Adds distance by explicitly using "that" as a referent.

is by no means

Formally emphasizes that something is certainly not the case.

does not

A simple negation, applicable when the subject requires 'does' as an auxiliary verb.

is far from

Indicates that something is the opposite of what is being described.

is nowhere near

Expresses a great distance from a particular state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "is not" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not" is used to negate a statement. For example, "The sky "is not green"" or "This "is not the way" to solve the problem."

What's the difference between "is not" and "isn't"?

"Is not" and "isn't" have the same meaning, but "isn't" is a contraction and is more informal. "Is not" is often used for emphasis or in formal writing, while "isn't" is common in spoken language and informal writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "is not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is definitely not", "is absolutely not", or "is not the case", depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

When should I use "is not" instead of "isn't"?

Use "is not" for emphasis, clarity, or in formal writing. "Isn't" is appropriate for informal conversations and writing. For example, you might say, "That "is not acceptable"" to stress your disapproval.